Finnish History

This book pulls back the curtain so you can get a better look at Finland’s history. Its history is exciting, even without the Vikings, and its proximity to Russia is something that is still talked about in the news today.

If you ask a Finn, they will likely be as baffled as you are. That’s why Melanie Dower, an expat who has been living in Finland for the past decade, has taken up the charge. Her vantage as an outsider entrenched in Finnish culture uniquely positions her to identify the keys to Finnish happiness that elude the rest of the world and that Finns take for granted. From sauna to strong social safety nets, Finnish life is made up of a constellation of habits and structures that leave its residents relaxed, healthy, and fulfilled.

The history of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war has been well documented in a number of books and documentaries. What has received far less coverage is an almost uncannily similar situation in Finland during the same time period. Starting in 1917, Finland was convulsed by a series of events that provided a direct parallel to those in Russia. The revolution, the civil war that followed, and the impact of the end of World War I all helped to define the modern state of Finland. This is the story of a forgotten conflict, its roots, and its impact on Finland and beyond.

In this groundbreaking account, Kimmo Rentola traces the epochal shifts in Soviet-Finnish relations. From the Winter War to Finland's exit from World War II in 1944, a possible Soviet-backed coup in 1948, and Moscow's designation of Finland as an enemy state in 1950, Finland was forced to navigate Stalin's outsize political and territorial demands. Rentola presents a dramatic reconstruction of Finland's unlikely survival at a time when the nation's very existence was at stake.

Discover the complex mythology of the legendary Nordic people who inspired Hollywood films, epic novels, and more. Beautiful goddesses, fierce warriors, formidable beasts, and Ragnarök itself--these magical tales have enthralled audiences for centuries. This classic collection of tales offers...

This book describes the odd coalition between Germany and Finland in World War II, and their joint military operations from 1941 to 1945. This is a topic often missing in English, though in stark contrast to the numerous books on the shorter and less bloody Winter War. That conflict represented a gallant fight of a democratic “David” against a totalitarian “Goliath” that caught the imagination of the world. The story of Finland fighting alongside a “Goliath” of its own has not brought pride to that nation and was a period many Finns would rather forget.

Transform your daily commute with this immersive urban history of a Baltic settlement caught between warring empires. From a fragile Swedish trading post ravaged by disease to a glittering Russian imperial showcase, discover how a contested frontier town forged its own fierce independence...

Uncover the inspiring European history of how isolated forest tribes survived rival empires to build a Nordic powerhouse. Perfect for a focused commute, this atmospheric journey traces a stoic population navigating the icy landscapes of the north. Witness the ultimate underdog story of survival...

Uncover the gripping urban history of a contested Baltic outpost that survived imperial wars to forge a modern capital. Whether you are prepping for a Nordic vacation or seeking an immersive commute, this dramatic chronicle sweeps you through centuries of shifting borders and geopolitical...

Experience dramatic Scandinavian history as a frozen periphery defies rival empires to forge an unyielding identity. Perfect for an engaging commute, this resilient narrative sweeps from ancient Finno-Ugric tribes to the modern era. Feel the tense, high-stakes reality of ordinary citizens caught...

Discover the gripping European history of an underdog nation fighting for survival against two relentless empires. Perfect for an absorbing commute or focused evening listening, this intense narrative reveals how a sparsely populated, frozen land forged an unbreakable national identity despite...

Explore the sweeping urban history of a resilient Baltic outpost engineered to outlast and outshine its imperial rivals. Perfect for your daily commute or deep-focus listening, this atmospheric journey reveals a calculated master project forged by fire, plague, and war. Lose yourself in the...

An informative study exploring the Soviet invasion of Finland, a fascinating David vs Goliath type struggle. On 23 August 1939, a secret protocol was appended to the German–Soviet Non-Aggression Pact; as part of this, Finland was assigned to the Soviet sphere of influence. On 30 November that...

In December 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill made a speech about a conflict that had some leading figures in Britain and France, including Churchill himself, briefly discussing the idea of going to war with the Soviet Union, even though they were already fighting Adolf Hitler. Of course, war makes strange bedfellows, and one year later, Churchill would find himself allied with the Soviet Union against Germany and Finland. It’s an interesting saga, one with roots in imperial Russian history and the desire of the Finns to be free in their northern forests.